Douche kit

ABSTRACT

A douche unit of the type herein contemplated is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 2,664,893 issued Jan. 5, 1954 to George P. Kempel. The improvements over the aforesaid patent consist in a unique connecting means wherein each of the connecting components is provided with a pair of semi-circular helices, with the helices being in opposed relationship with each helice being a portion of one of the two helices that make up the double pitch interrupted thread arrangement utilized. By this arrangement, each rib that defines the helice of one component will be secured on opposed sides by the remaining ribs of the other component during the period of connection. Also, the further improvement of providing an auxiliary sealing means that includes an annular, deformable male and female type of connection that deforms into sealing relationship upon operation of the aforementioned connecting means.

United States Patent Kempel [451 Sept. 5, 1972 DOUCHE KIT [72] Inventor: George P. Kempel, Akron, Ohio [73] Assignee: Dop, Inc.,

[22] Filed: Oct. 5, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 78,009

52 US. Cl ..128/232, 128/247 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-J. Yasko Attorney-Freeman and Taylor [57] ABSTRACT A douche unit of the type herein contemplated is set forth in US. Pat. No. 2,664,893 issued Jan. 5, 1954 to George P. Kempel. The improvements over the aforesaid patent consist in a unique connecting means wherein each of the connecting components is provided with a pair of semi-circular helices, with the helices being in opposed relationship with each helice being a portion of one of the two helices that make up the double pitch interrupted thread arrangement utilized. By this arrangement, each rib that defines the helice of one component will be secured on opposed sides by the remaining ribs of the other component during the period of connection. Also, the further improvement of providing an auxiliary sealing means that includes an annular, deformable male and female type of connection that deforms into sealing relationship upon operation of the aforementioned connecting means.

' 3Claims,5DrawingFigures PATENTEUSEP smz $666,766

L1 as I FIG. I v

/f/ 40 '9 u 3|. w

\ I" \\\;;I 2o 3 1 *1 iiwm INVENTOR- GEORGE P. KEMPEL ATTORNEYS DOUCHE KIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In applicants prior US. Pat. No. 2,664,893, there was shown a douche kit that included a syringe, a plug, and a flexible bag unit, with the units being capable of quick connect and disconnect with each other as to permit collapsing of the same into a convenient package for travel purposes.

While the aforementioned douche kit has proved satisfactory in several respects, the manufacture of the connecting means has proved especially bothersome since the interrupted threads were of necessity molded and then permitted to harden followed by the necessity of rotating the same before mold release could be achieved.

Additionally, while applicants prior patent contemplated a seal of sorts, it was found in use that the seal would not operate effectively with the result that spillage oftentimes occurred to the discomfort and displeasure of the user especially since the threads of the aforementioned prior U.S. Patent did not serve as a point of primary seal as in the present case.

Production of an improved disposable douche unit having improved sealing and connecting features is the principal object of this invention with other objects of the invention becoming more apparent upon a reading of the following brief specification, considered and interpreted in the light of the accompanying drawings.

' OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the improved douche unit in assembled form.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken on the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section taken on the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view, partly broken away and in section, and illustrating the structure of the connecting and sealing means in larger detail.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but done in perspective and illustrating a modified form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the improved douche kit, generally designated by the numeral 10, includes a stem portion 11, a plug portion 12, and a flexible bag portion 13, with the arrangement being such that the plug serves as a point of temporary attachment with respect to the stem 11 and the bag 13 which may be removed therefrom for storage or transportation purposes.

The stem 11 is generally elongate in nature, and includes, in one end thereof, a series of perforations 14,14 that communicate with a hollow interior passage (see FIG. 2) so as to, in effect, communicate the perforations 14, 14 with the connecting end 14a as will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The end 14a includes an end wall 16, into which the bore 15 opens, as clearly shown in FIG. 2. The diameter of the end wall 16 approximates the diameter of the stem 11 in its central region, and spaced inwardl'y from the end wall 16 is a bell-shaped portion 17 that includes an annular lip 18 which terminates in a knife edge point 18a as clearly shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. A tapering wall surface 19 extends radially inwardly along the axis of the stem 11 and terminates in a shoulder 20 as clearly shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

' Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the wall portion adjacent end 16 has provided thereon a pair of radially outwardly projecting ribs 21 and 22, with the ribs 2! and 22 both being preferably V-shaped in cross section and both being almost semi-circular in planar configuration with each rib having a radial sector of about 150 to 180 and with the ends of the ribs being spaced circumferentially from each as shown in FIG. 4. As shown from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the ribs are in opposed helical relationship with each other, with the rib 21 constituting a portion of one of the two threads making up the double pitch arrangement shown. Similarly, the rib 22 is a portion of the remaining thread of the double pitch interrupted thread. By this arrange ment, the lead points of the threads 21 and 22 are disposed from each other by approximately 180, with the pitch or lead of the threads 21 and 22 being axially aligned and equal.

Again referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the plug member 12 is a circular configuration and includes an inner bore and an outer peripherally extremity 31, with the extremity 31 terminating in a tapered surface 32 that includes an annular recess 33 that terminates in the reduced external wall portion 34 as clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings. The end wall surface 35 is somewhat dished in configuration so as to terminate in a male knife edge projection 36, with the knife edge projection further including a tapered surface 37 that is complimental in nature to the surface 19 for sealing purposes. Opposed bottom wall 38 extends between the circular wall surfaces 30 and 34 as clearly shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings.

The plug 12 also includes connecting means and in this instance these connecting means are defined by a pair of substantially semi-circular radially inwardly projecting ribs 39 and 40, with the ribs being generally similar in configuration to the previously described ribs 21 and 22 so as to cooperate therewith for locking purposes. Accordingly, the rib 40 is a semi-circular helice portion of one of the two threads making up the double pitch thread shown, while the rib 39 constitutes a semicircular portion of the remaining thread in the double pitch thread shown. These threads are aligned in opposed relationship to each other to substantially define a circular thread pattern with the pitch of the threads 39 and 40 being axially aligned and equidistance.

Here, however, the ribs 39 and 40 preferably extend through a full sector for mold release purposes, although it is to be understood that some radial or circumferential spacing between the ribs 39 and 40 is possible.

The bag 13, as best shown in FIG. 2, is of a collapsible thin wall type of construction and includes a beaded portion 42 that defines the mouth opening thereof, with the portion 42 being stretchable so as to be seated within the cavity 33 as is apparent from FIG. 2.

In use or operation of the improved douche kit, it will first be assumed that the bag 13 has had the beaded opening 42 thereof snapped into place within the recess 33 of the plug 12, and at this time the unit may be filled with the appropriate solution, following which the stem 11 may be inserted into the bore 30 of the plug 12 for locking purposes. During such locking process, and referring to FIG. 4 for example, when the telescoping just described occurs, the lower surface of the low end of thread 21 will be seated on the upper surface of the lowend of thread 40 while the high end of thread 22 will be seated on the high end of thread 39. As clockwise twisting occurs, the thread 21 will move under the high end of thread 39 while the low end of the rib 22 will move under the high end of rib 40.

As rotation continues, absolute locking in place will occur, with it being noted that as rotation continues, each rib will be secured throughout a portion of the extremity on opposed sides by the ribs of the opposite component part in question. Stated otherwise, at final connection, the ribs 21 and 22 will be on opposed sides of the ribs 39 and 40 because of the novel, unique, double helical arrangement that has been employed.

It will also be noted that as the telescoping action just described occurs that there will be a meeting of the surfaces 19 and 37 for sealing purposes and further, that these surfaces and their sealing action will be augmented or supplemented by the fact that the rib 36 will be deformed by the lip 18 vice versa as continued telescoping continues as a result of continued rotational movement that draws up the unit 11 within the unit 12.

At such time as the assembly is complete as just described, it is believed obvious that the instrument may be operated in normal fashion for the purposes intended, following which it may be readily disassembled, readily cleaned, and then the bag disposed of if this be desired.

With reference to the modification shown in FIG. 5, the only difference is that each thread 21a, 22a, 40a, and 39a, extend for a full 180 instead of the approximately l60l70 shown in FIGS 1 through 4. Otherwise, the operation is the same.

While a full and complete description. of the invention has been set forth in accordance with the dictates of the Patent Statutes, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form herein shown.

Accordingly, modifications of the invention may be shown without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the accompanying claims. a

What is claimed is: l. A. disposable douche kit of the character described, comprising;

1. an elongate, hollow spray stern having perforations on one end and further having a circular end surface at the other end with said ends being connected by an axially extending internal passage and with said circular end surface having radially outwardly projecting connecting means; 2. a plug having a. a central bore that includes radially inwardly projecting connecting means that are compatible with said radially outwardly extending connecting means of said stern;

b. an external annular groove;

3. a resilient douche bag having a ribbed mouth opening, with said ribbed mouth opening being adapted to be received under tension in said external annular groove of said plug, whereby the interior of said bag is in communication with the interior of said stem when the same is connected to said plug by said connecting means;

4. said connecting means of said plug a. being defined by first and second helical threads;

thread system is provided; and said threads on said stem also constituting a double thread system that is compatible with said double interrupted thread system of said plug whereby the ribs of said plug connecting means will be engaged on opposed sides by the ribs of said stem connecting means following insertion and seating of said stem in said plug and thereafter effectuating relative rotation therebetween around the common axis of rotation.

2. The device of claim 1 further characterized by the fact that said ribs are each V-shaped in cross-sectional profile.

3. A disposable douche kit of the character described, comprising;

1. an elongate, hollow spray stem having perforations on one end and further having a circular end surface at the other end with said ends being connected by an axially extending internal passage and with said circular end surface having radially outwardly projecting connecting means; a plug having a. a central bore that includes radially inwardly projecting connecting means that are compatible with said radially outwardly extending connecting means of said stern;

b. an external annular groove;

. a douche bag having a ribbed mouth opening with said ribbed mouth opening being adapted to be received under tension in said external annular groove of said plug, whereby the interior of said bag is in communication with the interior of said stem when the same is connected to said plug by said connecting means;

. said connecting means of said plug a. being defined by first and second helical threads;

said threads when viewed in plan having an arcuate length that covers between 60 to 100 per-' cent of the wall diameter of said central bore;

. said threads being diametrically opposed to each other and having their respective helixes arranged approximately 180 axially out of phase with each other whereby a double interrupted thread system is provided;

. said threads on said stem also constituting a double thread system that is compatible with said double interrupted thread system of said plug whereby the ribs of said plug connecting means will be engaged on opposed sides by the ribs of said stem connecting means following insertion and seating of said stem in said plug and thereafter effectuating relative rotation therebetween around the common axis of rotation; and

auxiliary sealing means defined by said plug and said stem; said sealing means including annular deformable rib and groove means that deformably interlock with each other upon axial telescoping of said stem within said bore of said plug. 

1. A disposable douche kit of the character described, comprising;
 1. an elongate, hollow spray stem having perforations on one end and further having a circular end surface at the other end with said ends being connected by an axially extending internal passage and with said circular end surface having radially outwardly projecting connecting means;
 2. a plug having a. a central bore that includes radially inwardly projecting connecting means that are compatible with said radially outwardly extending connecting means of said stem; b. an external annular groove;
 3. a resilient douche bag having a ribbed mouth opening, with said ribbed mouth opening being adapted to be received under tension in said external annular groove of said plug, whereby the interior of said bag is in communication with the interior of said stem when the same is connected to said plug by said connecting means;
 4. said connecting means of said plug a. being defined by first and second helical threads; b. said threads when viewed in plan having an arcuate length that covers between 60 to 100 percent of the wall diameter of said central bore; c. said threads being diametrically opposed to each other and having their respective helixes arranged approximately 180* axially out of phase with each other whereby a double interrupted thread system is provided; and
 5. said threads on said stem also constituting a double thread system that is compatible with said double interrupted thread system of said plug whereby the ribs of said plug connecting means will be engaged on opposed sides by the ribs of said stem connecting means following insertion and seating of said stem in said plug and thereafter effectuating relative rotation therebetWeen around the common axis of rotation.
 2. a plug having a. a central bore that includes radially inwardly projecting connecting means that are compatible with said radially outwardly extending connecting means of said stem; b. an external annular groove;
 2. a plug having a. a central bore that includes radially inwardly projecting connecting means that are compatible with said radially outwardly extending connecting means of said stem; b. an external annular groove;
 2. The device of claim 1 further characterized by the fact that said ribs are each V-shaped in cross-sectional profile.
 3. A disposable douche kit of the character described, comprising;
 3. a douche bag having a ribbed mouth opening with said ribbed mouth opening being adapted to be received under tension in said external annular groove of said plug, whereby the interior of said bag is in communication with the interior of said stem when the same is connected to said plug by said connecting means;
 3. a resilient douche bag having a ribbed mouth opening, with said ribbed mouth opening being adapted to be received under tension in said external annular groove of said plug, whereby the interior of said bag is in communication with the interior of said stem when the same is connected to said plug by said connecting means;
 4. said connecting means of said plug a. being defined by first and second helical threads; b. said threads when viewed in plan having an arcuate length that covers between 60 to 100 percent of the wall diameter of said central bore; c. said threads being diametrically opposed to each other and having their respective helixes arranged approximately 180* axially out of phase with each other whereby a double interrupted thread system is provided; and
 4. said connecting means of said plug a. being defined by first and second helical threads; b. said threads when viewed in plan having an arcuate length that covers between 60 to 100 percent of the wall diameter of said central bore; c. said threads being diametrically opposed to each other and having their respective helixes arranged approximately 180* axially out of phase with each other whereby a double interrupted thread system is provided;
 5. said threads on said stem also constituting a double thread system that is compatible with said double interrupted thread system of said plug whereby the ribs of said plug connecting means will be engaged on opposed sides by the ribs of said stem connecting means following insertion and seating of said stem in said plug and thereafter effectuating relative rotation therebetween around the common axis of rotation; and
 5. said threads on said stem also constituting a double thread system that is compatible with said double interrupted thread system of said plug whereby the ribs of said plug connecting means will be engaged on opposed sides by the ribs of said stem connecting means following insertion and seating of said stem in said plug and thereafter effectuating relative rotation therebetWeen around the common axis of rotation.
 6. auxiliary sealing means defined by said plug and said stem; said sealing means including annular deformable rib and groove means that deformably interlock with each other upon axial telescoping of said stem within said bore of said plug. 